Visitor Center Initiative

In 2000, Deputy Commander for Civil Works approved the Visitor Center Initiative, which will significantly modify our centers to improve the delivery of the Corps message through modern interactive exhibits.

To accomplish the specific tasks, a multidiscipline field team was established with expertise in Public Affairs, Information Management, Budget and Finance, and Interpretation. Field team members were selected for their creativity and on-the-ground successes in related activities. The team is led by a project manager and will use qualified contractors as needed. The effort was launched with a Chief of Engineers memorandum that explained the initiative and provides overall direction and guidance. This guidance will be incorporated into the appropriate ER/EPs. The "Corps Story" will be developed by PAO and be centrally funded. Budget guidance will provide a process for local funding of this effort for regional and local project exhibits.

A steering committee of HQUSACE staff from PAO, IM, CECW-ON, and CECW-B will provide oversight. This steering committee will be chaired by Steve Austin, CECW-ON, and will report, through the chain of command, to the Deputy Chief.

• July 2001 Visitor Center Survey

• November 2001 National Association of Interpretation Focus Group Report

• Visitor Center Entrance Survey - These questions cannot be used with public surveys until approved by OMB

• Visitor Center Initiative Final Report October 2002

• Memos
  • HQ Visitor Center Initiative 19 May 2003
  • HQ Visitor Center Initiative Briefing 21 May 2003
  • HQ Visitor Center Initiative Implementation 30 June 2003
  • Request for Nominations, Susp. 31 Oct 2000

• Charters
  • Steering Committee Charter
  • Multidiscipline Team Charter
  Meeting Minutes
  • 31 January 2002
  • 5 June 2001

• Multidisciplinary Review Team Members
  • Bruce Thornton, Chair, Mobile District
  • Joe Bertolini, Caesar Creek Lake
  • Greg Miller, Kansas City District
  • Jim Pennaz, Honolulu District
  • Nancy Rogers, Bay Model Visitor Center
  • Matt Seavey, Wright-Pattman Lake
  • Debra Stokes, New Orleans District
  • Mark Wade, Richard B. Russell Lake